ENGLISH
Israeli PM Netanyahu seals controversial coalition deal
JERUSALEM
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a deal on Wednesday that makes hard-line settler politician Avigdor Lieberman Israel's new defense minister and brings his six-seat party into the coalition government.
The deal followed a meeting where Netanyahu agreed to one of Lieberman's key demands to fund pensions for Israelis who migrated from the former Soviet Union, according to Israel Radio.
Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu colleague Sofa Landver will also join him in the cabinet as the Minister for Immigrant Absorption. Both are scheduled to be sworn-in on Monday.
The deal has strengthened Netanyahu's fragile coalition government, which previously relied on a single-seat majority, after the Knesset reopened for its summer session this week.
According to Israel Radio, Netanyahu and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon agreed to add 1.4 billion shekel ($360 million) to the pension fund, which was half the figure initially demanded by Lieberman.
Lieberman has frequently been accused of inflammatory statements against Palestinians and has also reportedly been pushing for the death penalty for Palestinians found guilty of killing Israelis in attacks.
Previous Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon resigned from government and the Knesset last Friday amid reports that his job had been offered to Lieberman. Yaalon had said that Netanyahu's government was being overrun by extremists.

Police warn of 'distraction thefts' targeting Muslim community

Fired Microsoft employees accuse company of enabling Israel’s attacks on Gaza

Gaza death toll tops 51,100 as Israeli army kills 92 more Palestinians

Gaza death toll passes 50,500 mark amid ceaseless Israeli attacks

Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism in Canada higher than after 9/11, warns expert

International students in Türkiye embrace Ramadan traditions away from home

Turkish Graduates Will Undertake Important Tasks in the Reconstruction of Syria

NCCM CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AFTER DIVISIVE RHETORIC REPOSTED BY MANITOBA PC LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE

“YTB 15TH YEAR SPECIAL AWARD” IN THE PRESS PHOTOS OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

Turkish Graduates Take on Important Tasks in Reconstruction of Syria

Israeli army orders evacuation in central Gaza Strip

Gaza war victim's family denied entry to Australia

Canada must enable humanitarian aid into Gaza following "flour massacre"

London attack ruling first to recognize terror on grounds of white nationalism
